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16 November 2011

32 weeks -- and I think we're officially past the part of the pregnancy that feels like it's just whizzing by and into the part of it where 8 weeks, instead of feeling like it isn't very long, feels like it's FOR - EV - ER. I still feel really great and am remaining active, but dang ... the belly feels big enough now and I'm experiencing this growing little girl's increase in activity almost constantly (Did I say "increase"? Oh yes, I meant "increase") that wow ... I hope the holidays make my experience of time go a little bit faster. :o)

The baby websites tell me she's a little over 17 inches long and weighs around four pounds, though lately I swear it feels more like twenty-four! I definitely want her to stay in there as long as she needs to and as long as is good for her (just so you know, I hate it when I hear "you must be so ready to be done!" -- given a choice between her well-being and my physical comfort, I'd choose her well-being every time) -- we need her to fatten up, grow healthy and strong, and bake in the mama belly for as long as she needs to!!

We are SO CLOSE to having everything ready to go around here, but I still have plenty to do around the house. I need to take advantage of the time I have left before she's due to arrive (also understanding that she could very well decide to arrive 2 weeks before the due date which would be 6 weeks from now which -- oh my goodness -- that really isn't far away at all). I'm taking lots of breaks and rest periods during the day to take care of both of us and keep my energy up while I tick things off my lists, but I'm one of those people who really needs to have my living space reasonably tidy and organized in order to feel like home is a haven and a peaceful space -- and that's why I'm working now to get things in order. Believe me, you do not need to remind me that it's going to be difficult (okay, "impossible") to get anything done once she's here!! I want to have things as organized and settled as possible so our home is not as difficult to maintain (for myself or for anyone helping me) once she's outside the uterus.

And what can we say about this week? I mentioned that I feel like the amount of activity has increased. I feel her moving pretty much ALL THE TIME now (which yes, I still love) and love watching my belly stretch and move in all sorts of different directions -- just about the only time I don't feel anything is if I'm already asleep (though I assume she keeps moving around then, too), or when I'm working out. One thing I really love lately is that when I go to bed and lie on my left side, she will stick out her little foot and trace back and forth with it across the top of my belly where I'm lying down. It's the weirdest/coolest feeling, and kind of tickles! But during the day, it doesn't matter what I'm doing -- if I'm on a walk or emptying the dishwasher or dusting or putting books on a shelf or cooking, I'm feeling her squirm around in there. Come to think of it, maybe I should add a couple pair of running shoes to my registry!

I'm definitely noticing more Braxton-Hicks lately, too -- nothing regular or frequent, but definitely more than I had last trimester (when I would notice one once every several days or so) -- my body is gearing up for the big day! Also, there have been some nights recently where I haven't slept as well because I've had a few nights in a row where my dream life has been both vivid and violent (normally I don't remember my dreams at all). Ugh. Cue insane sleep deprivation and consequent out-of-control pregnancy hormones. Because this resulted in me playing out my own version of "Attack of the Raging Pregnancy Hormones" yesterday (all induced by a mascara wand that I maintain had a mind of its own), I took a day off of my to-do list, took a 2-hour nap, and did restful, fun things instead. I put in a movie (it's not too early for "Elf," is it??), laid on the couch, worked a bit on my other blog, and didn't clean a single thing all day. It was heavenly.

Also, I think we found a pediatrician! He comes highly related by parents of the children he cares for (as well as our midwife), and his office is within 10 minutes of our home. An added bonus is that based on what I've read from his website, he takes a research and evidence-based approach to care and decision-making and supports parental choice and responsibility. I'll get a chance to meet him on Monday!

Oh, and another thing ...

Speaking of all these things -- I wanted to let you know that I've made a conscious decision to be posting here less frequently as Austen's arrival gets closer. I want to make sure I'm focusing on those things I need to accomplish in order to get ourselves and our home ready for her. Since I spend anywhere from 2-4 hours getting the average post ready and I'm posting here on average about 4-5 times a week, this is definitely a way I can find some extra time for the things I need to do. I absolutely love investing the time I do in this blogging space (as well as the Team Ewan community on Facebook) and I still consider it a priority, but making sure I feel peaceful and ready for this baby girl to arrive needs to be Priority Number One right now! I'll still be posting weekly updates until she arrives and a probably couple other posts throughout the week, but I just wanted to let you know that that was the case. Thank you all for hanging in there with me and understanding. :o)

Have a great week, my friends, and we'll be seeing you again next week for Week 33!!